Picking out a hat to wear in the summer isn’t very hard. Here are a few tips:

1. Buy a hat made from natural straw instead of synthethic. Sewn synthetic straws are heavy and don’t breathe. Many of the cheaper hats are made from this material. Parisisal, Sisal and Panama straws all are cooler hats to wear because they breathe.

2. Light color hats are cooler than black or navy. Remember, darker colors absorb more heat. Try to wear light colors.

3. Big brims are much better for coverage since they cover your shoulders as well. Hats made from sinamay, horsehair and thin straw weaves don’t work as well as a solid fabric.

4. Keep a hat in your car. I find that if I am going to be out and forgot my hat, having one stashed in the car helps a lot.

By: Polly Singer